09 July, 2011

End of era as Cork hurling needs a shake-up after heavy loss:

PLENTY TO PONDER: is it time for Denis Walsh to step down?

Cork hurling is "in the doldrums" after a 12 point defeat to Galway today and now major changes are sure to be made both on and off the pitch. The best days are behind many of these Cork players and a spate of reitrements can be expected. Galway can now be regarded as All-Ireland contenders in what was regarded as a two-horse race, but, after today, there are definitely three sides capable of lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup come September. Galway can beat anyone, including Kilkenny and Tipperary on their day, but they could also lose to anyone.

Walsh's departure could see the return of at least one Ó hAilpín

This day for me was more a time to take stock for Cork hurling though. There can be no argument that Galway deservedly won on a scoreline of 2-23 to 1-14 today. The Tribesmen were in cruise control in the closing minutes. Whilst the Cork hurling set-up is somewhat in transition at the moment, a much better performance would have been expected than what was witnessed in the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick today. Now must surely be the time for Denis Walsh to step down as manager. There will be few within Cork GAA sad to see him go.

This man (Dónal Ó'Grady) would shake things up if he returned to Cork

Walsh's departure will mean the return of a number of players, including, very likely three time All-Star Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and possibly his brother Aisake, who is currently Down Under playing Aussie Rules. There can be little doubt that GAA is Aisake's game though. One thing that Cork have missed is a big target man (Aisake is 6'7") to aim balls at, who, while he might not score every time he gets the ball; things will certainly break off him. The departure of Denis Walsh, would certainly increase the likelihood of a return of Aisake, amongst a number of other players to the Cork senior hurling set-up.